The Aso Rock Presidential Villa on Monday wore a somber look as President Muhammadu Buhari took over the reins of government after his vacation.
Buhari is resuming office after fifty two days, fifty of which was spent in London. The President left the shores of the country on the 19th of January on a 10 day medical vacation. He later wrote to the National Assembly extending his stay indefinitely citing recommendations by his doctors.
Our correspondent who monitored the proceedings of the day at the Aso Rock, reported that Nigeria’s number one office which hitherto was always filled with activities held was quiet throughout.
President Buhari who resumed work at about 11:30 am on Monday, met with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo for a debriefing and planning meeting and left office at about 2:30pm.
Only Presidential Laison Officers to the National Assembly, Ita Enang and Kawu Sumaila, respectively from the Senate and House of Representatives came calling. Enang and Sumaila left the President’s office with the letter to be transmitted to the upper and lower chambers of the National Assembly.
The President also received briefs from the Vice President in a meeting that lasted for over one hour. Osinbajo told journalists that they had discussed issues on different sectors of the economy. The President also gave “a few directives on what we should be doing on so many areas, the north east, budget, the economy, a wide range of issues” Osinbajo said.
On the other hand the President had on Friday urged guests who were preparing to visit his residence to welcome him, to rather channel their time to praying for the country.
“Rather than sending delegations to Abuja to welcome me , May I appeal to our people to continue to pray for the country’s unity, progress and prosperity. I thank you very much and may God bless our country” Buhari said at a meeting with top officials of government on his return to the country.
Meanwhile, the Vice President’s wing was deserted as he stayed working in his office. There was no sign of guests who were coming for meetings or those who were usual callers to his office for one consultation or the other.
In the last seven weeks, the Vice President’s wing of the Aso Rock has been a beehive of activities. However, the only meeting that held at that wing was the Economic Management Team which sits on Mondays.